Friday, April 24, 2015

So, today is Friday, which means it's my vintage wrap up post. What that involves is me showing you a few items that I listed on Etsy, and focus on the biggest find, or best find of the week. In my case, this week was all about mens vintage cardigans.

Okay. So that's probably a huge shock for you all, right? Yeah. No. Here, read this post about my obsession with mens vintage cardigans. I have a problem. Love them too much. And I never pass them up. Ever. Therein lies the problem.

This week, I happened to find three cardigans in one DAY. Score and fail all at the same dang time.

This pink one is one of them - Izod. Dang it. I want this one.

Okay, then there's this Guatemalan belt. I want this too. I have two of them.

But neither are like this. Can always use one more, right?

Okay. Fine. I won't. It's all yours.

Did I mention my "thing" with mens vintage cardigans? Yeah. Here's the same one

but in yellow. I don't have a yellow cardigan. Clearly, this one should be mine too.

Okay, so I sort of lied when I said that the cardigans were the big find. The really big

find was this 1960s little black dress, the kind that Jackie O would have worn.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

There has been a great deal of debate, and anger, and tears (and yes, some joy-- ecstatic, gorgeous, pink-oozing joy) about the whole Lilly Pulitzer for Target thing that just happened last Sunday. Some feel the line should've been expanded, that more should have been made, "if it was going to be made available for the general public." That a supply should've been made for the demand.

Okay. Read that again. Made available for the general public. Why? Why, in heaven's name, would a virtual haute couture line, one that's been in business for what, almost seven decades, decide to take what has worked for generations of the few and try to change it for everyone? Why would they change a line that is highly respected and valued because it is quality and because the prices reflect that value, LOWER their class act just so everyone can own a piece?

The answer is: They shouldn't. Only make it appear that we can own it.

There is one truth I need to point out here, and it's a bit non-sequitur: Designers shouldn't stay in a rut. Change is good. Change keeps the clothing line young, new, and fresh. We need change to remain changed, for the better. But changing an image, a brand that has stood for quality, beauty and class -- and gorgeous patterns that scream vacation -- don't need to rework their branding. They only need to add to their customer purchase power. They don't need to lower their standards to be made available to everyone. They only need to draw more loyal women to their doors to gain, appreciate and ultimately purchase, the Lilly Love.

Lilly Pulitzer gave everyone a "chance" at owning their product for a lesser price, but not at the expense of becoming a cheap clothier. By having a small selection at Target, one that sold out in minutes, one that was only available in SOME Target stores, basically heightens their already amazing and valuable line. What does this genius tactic do? It makes original Lilly Lovers even more in love with the real deal, and creates new Lilly Lovers -- those who may never have owned a "traditional" piece of Lilly -- practically overnight.

And like me, I will forever be a Lilly Lover. I fell in love with Lilly Pulitzer years ago because I buy and sell vintage clothing. You can't beat beauty and quality. Pulitzer had this quality in the 1950s and 60s and the line has it today. (And if -- no WHEN -- I find vintage Lilly, you may find me in the hospital, due to hyperventilation. Fair warning here.)

In my book, Lilly Pulitzer for Target is genius. Genius thinking full of pink and green and flowers and flamingos. True, I got a few pieces at Target a couple days ago. But if I hadn't, I would be headed over to their new "real" Spring Line, which just came out, and figure out how long it would take for me to save up to buy my next shift dress.

Despite the criticism and backlash from everyone else, I say, well done Lilly Pulitzer. Well done.

You've made a Lilly Lover out of me (which I already was) forever more.

Friday, April 17, 2015

I realize that perhaps, just perhaps, a week doesn't go by that I don't list a Pendleton of some sort. It's a part of my life now that probably will never leave. Pendleton is West Coast, after all. Pendleton is beach, mountains, and desert. And thankfully for Sacramento, or not, we're all of those things -- or pretty darn close to them.

So, other than the mandatory Pendleton listing, here's few vintage finds I listed this week in the shop.

My husband makes these amazing bracelets. This one is camo. And it's not vintage. The only item in my store that is not vintage, right now. If I didn't have one of my own, I wouldn't be selling this one. But, I do. Of course. So here. One for you. Double wrap awesomeness.

Okay. I also realize we're going into Spring, but vintage duck boots, yeah. You just don't pass those up.

And I probably don't go a week without listing a Hawaiian piece either. Look at this dress. Royal blue too!

And then there's overall shorts, or shortalls, if you will. Back in. Biggest seller. And perfect for spring and summer.

Friday, April 10, 2015

This has been happening lately: heart break. This time? A gorgeous maxi dress, a vintage beauty from Hawaii about fifty years ago. This one ALSO fits me and I don't want it to. What that means is that it's just one more dress that will break my heart when it sells. Ah, c'est la vie.

I love vintage Hawaiian because of the colors and textures. They don't make them like this anymore. Plus, living here on the west coast helps to find these gems. I've got it good. Just being able to see them is a treat.

Monday, April 6, 2015

Finding vintage anything is hard. Finding vintage from the 1950s, even harder. So when this amazing shirt -- one I almost passed by -- caught my attention, my heart stopped.

I noticed the tag first, before the plaid. That tag!Then I saw the condition of the shirt.

Um. This shirt wins the award for the most distressed shirt I have ever seen. And not only seen, but BOUGHT and am now selling. But, you have to understand. Finding vintage shirts, wool at that, still somewhat "assembled" is difficult. But, Levi's ... I mean, that's California history. Who cares if it's lovingly patina'd.

So, here's the shirt. I may keep it. Okay. Probably not. But, I got to wear it once. And now I pass this gem on to you.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

I found an amazing vintage dress last week. Best part about it? It's hand made. Yeah. I know what you're thinking, Why would anyone make a dress? That actually requires time, and money and ... skill.

Well, back in the day ladies (and gents) women actually had a skill that didn't entail taking selfies, or shopping online (both of which I do support and actively participate in, by the way, so the finger is pointed at me here). It was called sewing.

Both my mother and mother-in-law knew how to sew (still do) and would make dresses and clothes of all kind. Talk about being unique and not like everyone else. How cool would it be to show up in a trendy dress at your Prom that you made? That's what ladies did! Of course there were catalog orders, and shopping at department stores, but a huge portion of young ladies made their dresses.

Seems only designers and maybe a random stint in Home-Economics these days elicits something with material, and thread and needles and a whole lot of patience. Wish I knew how to do this. A lost art, for sure.

Okay. Enough said. This dress is gorgeous. Has a belt too (love) and then the coup de gras: I found jewelry. May not go exactly, perhaps a few years newer than the dress, but I do love it. Gorgeous blend.

Get your vintage on!

Heather

Welcome friends. I hail from Northern California where I'm in love with vintage, fashion, writing, and the simple life. My family keep me the busiest. But by the grace of God (and buckets of coffee -- like above ↑), anything is possible. Thanks for stopping by!